West Africa’s regional bloc, ECOWAS, has threatened to invade Niger if the junta that took power in July does not step down.
The bloc, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, said it would deploy its standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger.
The junta, which seized power on July 26, has defied an Aug. 6 deadline to stand down set by ECOWAS.
The bloc’s statement did not specify how the force would be funded or which countries would participate.
However, it said that the force would be “made up of troops from ECOWAS member states”.
The statement also said that the force would be “deployed to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger”.
The threat of invasion comes as tensions rise in Niger, a uranium producer that is an important ally of the West in the fight against Islamist insurgents.
The junta has closed Niger’s airspace and vowed to defend the country against any foreign attack.
The United States has called on the junta to step down and has said that it will hold the junta accountable for the safety of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The United Nations has also called on the junta to step down and has said that it is “deeply concerned” about the situation in Niger.
The junta has said that it will hold elections in 18 months, but ECOWAS has rejected this proposal.
The bloc has said that it wants to see Bazoum restored to power as soon as possible.
The standoff between ECOWAS and the junta is a major test for the bloc, which has been struggling to deal with a wave of coups in West Africa in recent years.
The bloc has been criticized for its handling of previous coups, and it is under pressure to show that it is serious about restoring democracy in the region.
The invasion threat is a significant escalation of the crisis in Niger, and it remains to be seen how the junta will respond.
It is possible that the junta will step down, but it is also possible that it will dig in its heels and refuse to give up power.
If the junta does not step down, the invasion could lead to a bloody conflict.
The situation in Niger is closely watched by the international community, and it is likely to have a major impact on the future of West Africa.
